One of the things I am most proud of this year as the Deputy Regional Director for Texas for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is: lower prescription drug costs Participation in the Medicare program through the Inflation Control Act.
For years, I’ve heard concerns about rising health care costs from people across Texas, especially seniors living on fixed incomes, and now this law will help millions of people on Medicare. It brings peace of mind to people.
As we enter 2025 with new annual resolutions, budgeting and planning for healthy spending may be an area people plan to improve on. For many of us, budgets include everyday items, including medications, which can be an overwhelming financial challenge for those with pre-existing conditions. For illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, monthly drug costs can run into the thousands of dollars.
That’s why I want Texans to know that starting January 1, 2025, the Inflation Control Act will cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for Medicare Part D members at $2,000. . Before the Anti-Inflation Act went into effect, some patients had to pay tens of thousands of dollars each year for prescription drugs. That’s why this new policy is a game-changer for the more than 3.8 million Texans with Medicare Part D.
When I visited senior centers across North Texas, including Seagoville, Mansfield, Midlothian, and Plano, I found that seniors were limited to $2,000 out-of-pocket costs and negotiated prices under the Inflation Control Act. I was thrilled to hear that there was one. It helps treat chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
This new cap is not the only benefit available to Medicare enrollees. The January 2025 Inflation Reduction Act also gives Medicare Part D enrollees the option to spread their prescription drug costs throughout the year. And starting in 2022, the law lowers costs for Medicare enrollees by making recommended vaccines, such as shingles and respiratory syncytial virus, available at no cost.
Presentations at senior centers say people have recently been vaccinated for free, compared to previously having to pay as much as $300 for some shots. Additionally, last August, HHS proudly announced new lower prices for 10 drugs selected for the first cycle of Medicare price negotiations.
By February 1, 2025, HHS plans to announce up to 15 additional drugs selected for the negotiation program.
This legislation is all about dignity, hope, and keeping the Medicare program strong for years to come. That’s why I’m spreading the word in Texas to raise awareness about these new benefits. People on Medicare are already seeing some financial relief. The introduction of drug copay caps in January and the ability to spread drug payments throughout the year will no doubt benefit many Texans in 2025. For more information, please visit: LowerDrugCosts.gov.
Julia Lothrop is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ acting regional director for Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and 68 federally qualified tribes.
